Sonny Oate Lake No 2 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sonny Oate Lake No 2 Dam in Upshur, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1977 with a height of 23 feet and a length of 336 feet.


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Summary

The dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and has a storage capacity of 212 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 120 acre-feet. The dam is located on TR-Clear Creek and is regulated by the state with permitting and inspection requirements in place.

Despite its relatively small size, Sonny Oate Lake No 2 Dam has a high hazard potential rating due to its location and the potential risk it poses. The dam does not have a spillway and is equipped with only one outlet gate. The condition of the dam is currently not rated, and there is limited information available on emergency preparedness and risk management measures in place.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sonny Oate Lake No 2 Dam presents an interesting case study of a privately owned dam in Texas. The dam's design and construction details, as well as its regulatory oversight and risk assessment, offer valuable insights into the management of water resources and infrastructure in the region. Further research and analysis of this dam could provide important lessons for improving the safety and resilience of similar structures in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

336

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-CLEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

212

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
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Area Campgrounds

Location Reservations Toilets
Sonny Oate Lake No 2 DamOld Camp Preview Old Camp
Sonny Oate Lake No 2 Damcamp Mabey Preview camp Mabey
Sonny Oate Lake No 2 DamCamp Gilmont Preview Camp Gilmont